Barry doing Husky Sled Challenge for Mencap
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Barry Evans: doing a Husky Sled Challenge in March 2009 to raise money for Mencap.
Ballymena man Barry Evans is embarking on a journey to Norway in March 2009 to raise much needed funds for people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland, writes Shaun O'Neill.
The Husky Sled Challenge - an arduous voyage through the wilderness of the Arctic Circle - is the latest in Mencap's programme of Challenge Events.
Sledding through the Arctic wilds of northern Norway, Barry and his fellow fundraisers will spend seven days taking in one of the most fascinating areas of the world, traversing through incredible scenery and experiencing temperatures potentially as low as -30 degrees.
By the time the group complete their challenge, another seven babies will be born with a learning disability in Northern Ireland.
“The Arctic has always held a fascination for me and to realise my dreams and experience the challenge, I jumped at the opportunity to take part in the Husky Sled Challenge," Barry told Guardian Sport.
“The fact that I can help Mencap and their work with people with a learning disability at the same time makes it an opportunity not to miss. The highlight for me will be seeing the Aurora Borealis, or more commonly known as The Northern Lights; I just hope they will make an appearance."
Barry knows the trip is going to be tough but Mencap has given him a pre-trek survival pack with advice on training and fundraising which has been invaluable.
